Component 4: Introduction to Information and Computer Science

Unit 9/Part a: Components and Development of Large Scale Systems

Unit 9 Objectivesa. Describe the building blocks of a large scale system.b. Explain the initial design process/options for a large

scale system.c. Describe the evaluation process/criteria for

including and selecting existing software applications.

d. Describe the process for new software development.e. Describe the different types of testing (unit, system,

usability) and when testing should occur.f. Describe systems maintenance.g. Explain the process of financially supporting large

scale systems over time.

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Topics in this Unit

Topic I: Building Blocks Topic II: System Development LifecycleTopic III: Financial Support

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Topic I: Building Blocks

• Definitions– Systems– Computer Systems– Information Systems

• Goals of the Information System• Information System Technologies• Stakeholder Roles

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Systems

• A set of interacting and interdependent entities forming an integrated whole

• Examples:– Sociocultural systems– Biological systems– Computer systems– Business systems

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Computer Systems

• Computer systems include all elements needed for the computer– Hardware– Software– Devices

• Large scale systems are computer systems capable of processing large amounts of data

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Information Systems

• An information system is a collection of people, processes and technology– Working together to generate information needed

by users in an organization;– Typically includes computers, but it doesn’t have

to;– Supports day-to-day information needs as well as

long-term planning;– Used by employees and clients/customers

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Goals of the Information System

• Improve business knowledge• Improve business processes and services• Improve business communications and people

collaboration

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Information System Technologies

• Database technologies – support business accumulation and use of business

knowledge.

• Software technologies – automate and support business processes and services.

• Interface technologies – support business communications and collaboration.

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Stakeholder Roles

• System owners– Interested in information adding new business knowledge

• System users– Capture, store, process, edit and use data everyday

• System designers– Concerned with database technology

• System builders– Represent data in very precise and unforgiving languages

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System Owners

• Usually from management• Interested in the bottom line– system cost– value or benefits returned to the business

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Goals of the System Owners

• Improve business knowledge– Information scope and vision

• Improve business processes– Functional scope and vision

• Improve business communications– Communications scope and vision

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System Users

• Majority of information workers in any information system

• Tend to be less concerned with costs and benefits of the system

• But they are concerned with system functionality related to their jobs:– Ease of learning– Ease of use– Get the job done

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Goals of the System Users

• Improve business knowledge– Business data requirements

• Improve business processes– Business process requirements

• Improve business communications– Business interface requirements

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System Designers

• Database administrators• Network architects• Web architects• Graphic artists• Security experts• Technology specialists

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Goals of the System Designers

• Improve business knowledge– Database design

• Improve business processes– Business process design– Software design

• Improve business communications– Interface design

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System Builders

• Applications programmers• Systems programmers• Database programmers• Network administrators• Security administrators• Webmasters• System integrators

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Goals of the System Builders

• Improve business knowledge– Database solutions

• Improve business processes– Commercial software packages– Custom-built application programs

• Improve business communications– Interface solution

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Systems Analysts

• A specialist who studies the problems and needs of an organization to determine how people, data, processes and information technology can best accomplish improvements for the business.

• Bridges the gap between perspectives of the different stakeholders.

• Overlaps the roles of other stakeholders.

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External Service Providers

• Most External Service Providers (ESP) are systems analysts, designers or builders contracted to bring special expertise/experience to the specific project.

• Consultants are one example of an external service provider or ESP.

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Project Manager

• Project teams require management.• One or more stakeholder takes on the role of

Project Manager (PM).– Ensures on-time development– Keeps project within budget– Maintains acceptable quality

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